What Contaminants Were Found In The Camp Lejeune Water?

At Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987 – Marines, Sailors, Coast Guard, veterans, spouses, children, children in utero, military family members and workers, and civilian workers were unknowingly consuming, ingesting, bathing, and cooking with toxic water. Several drinking water wells used at Camp Lejeune, including Tarawa Terrace, Hadnot Point, and Holcomb Boulevard were found to contain high levels of toxic contaminants known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). In some cases, the VOC levels were over 3,000 times the safe limit for human consumption.

Initially, there were two main VOCs identified in the water supply at Camp Lejeune: Trichloroethylene (TCE) and Perchloroethylene (PCE). However, later studies show over 70 other chemicals in the water supply that are known to have significant health risks. In 2017, the Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry released a study assessing the contaminants in the water at Camp Lejeune and the cancers and other diseases they can cause. The most common and toxic VOCs found in the water were:

• • Trichloroethylene (TCE)
  • Perchloroethylene (PCE)
  • Benzene
  • Vinyl Chloride

Trichloroethylene (TCE) & Perchloroethylene (PCE)

TCE is a chemical commonly used as a degreaser for heavy machinery. PCE is a colorless industrial chemical used in a variety of applications but most notably used for dry cleaning fabrics. Both TCE and PCE are known to significantly raise the risk of developing cancers and other diseases. Some of the cancers and diseases most linked to TCE and PCE in studies include, but are not limited to:

• • Kidney Cancer
  • Liver Cancer
  • Bladder Cancer
  • Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
  • Cervical Cancer
  • Multiple Myeloma
  • Prostate Cancer
  • Colon Cancer
  • Pancreatic Cancer
  • Lung Cancer
  • Bladder Cancer
  • Birth Defects
  • Cardiac Defects

Benzene

Benzene is an organic compound found in industrial chemicals; these chemicals are often used to make materials such as nylon and plastics. It is classified as a carcinogen and is one of the most used chemicals in the United States. Some of the cancers and diseases most linked to TCE and PCE in studies include, but are not limited to:

• • Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
  • Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
  • Multiple Myeloma
  • Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
  • Liver Cancer
  • Multiple Myeloma
  • Aplastic Anemia
  • Myelodysplastic Syndrome
  • Miscarriage

Vinyl Chloride

Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas used in the production of plastics, most notably PVC. Some of the cancers and diseases most linked to TCE and PCE in studies include, but are not limited to:

• • Liver Cancer
  • Brain Cancer
  • Lung Cancer
  • Soft Tissue Cancers

For more information on the contaminants found in the water at Camp Lejeune and the health risks they may pose, please visit the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

If you or a loved one (both living, deceased, divorced, estranged, stepchild, or adopted) lived or worked at Camp Lejeune consuming toxic drinking water for at least 30 combined days between 1953 and 1987 and have health issues related to the consuming toxic water at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible for compensation.

Brochu Law, PLLC represents Camp Lejeune Toxic Water cases on a contingency fee basis. There is no fee unless you win. We advance all costs on behalf of military families and consumers.

Brochu Law, PLLC represents military families and consumers nationwide*

*Disclaimer –Christopher J. Brochu, Esq. is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida. Brochu Law, PLLC works with co-counsel in accordance with state and federal law.